Things for African Americans to do in Cincinnati in 2022

What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2022

Cincinnati African American Events this year.  

Hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, reggae, gospel, old school, and symphony live-music concerts happening in Cincinnati in 2022.

Black composers, plays, museum exhibits, comedy shows, concert series, operas, dance recitals, local music, and festivals in Cincinnati.  

Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, entertainers, comedians, religious services, professional development training, and program initiatives that help us improve our physical and mental health.

We are also extremely fortunate that nationally known touring African American artists, singers, and performers routinely display their talents in the Queen City music scene.

Ask about exclusive deals, discount options, community performances, or same-day options when purchasing your tickets.

Feel free to submit an event to be considered in this article. All Cincinnati African American Events listed are as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.

2022 Cincinnati African American Events:

Hamilton – Broadway Play
September 6th – October 2nd
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre.

Sweat – Play
September 17th – October 9th
Ensemble Theatre
Sweat is a topical view of America’s economic decline’s present and moving outcome.

it’s not a trip it’s a journey – Play
September 23rd – October 9th
Know Theatre
Four Black best friends set out on a cross-country journey. The journey tests their identities and strengthens their bonds as they explore being Black, femme, and American.

Jay Pharoah – Comedy Show
September 23rd – 24th
Liberty Funny Bone 
Jay Pharoah is an actor and stand-up comedian.

Lalah Hathaway – R&B Concert
September 29th & 30th, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
Grammy-winning R&B singer Lalah Hathaway comes from a family of musical greats including her father, American soul singer Donny Hathaway.

Natural World – Photography Exhibit
September 30th – January 15th
Cincinnati Art Museum
A photography-based exhibition and artist-designed book explores and expands existing ideas of the natural order.

Kerwin Claiborne – Comedy Show
October 2nd, 7 p.m.
Liberty Funny Bone 
Kerwin Claiborne is ready to introduce himself and his many internet characters.

Billy Cobham – Jazz Concert
October 2nd, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
Billy Cobham was born on May 16, 1944, in Panama. There, he grew fond of percussion from watching his cousin play.

Cincy R&B Experience – R&B Concert
October 7th, 8 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center
Headlined by Monica, the evening will also feature sets by Tevin Campbell, Dru Hill, Tamar Braxton, 112, & Next.

Related Article: Things to do this week in Black Cincinnati

Kool Moe Dee – Rap Concert
October 7th, 8:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage
See this American Hip Hop pioneer prominent in the 1980s and early ’90s.

Guy Torry – Comedy Show
October 7th – 8th
Liberty Funny Bone
Multi-talented Guy Torry has leaped to a comedic actor with great success.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Walk the Moon – Soul Concert
October 15th, 8:30
The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Best known as a trombone and trumpet player but also plays drums, organ, and tuba

The 5th Dimension – R&B Concert
October 15th, 8:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage
The 5th Dimension is an American popular vocal group whose repertoire includes pop, R&B, soul, jazz, light opera, and Broadway.

Black Opry – Country Concert
October 20th, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall
Black Opry is home to Black artists and fans of country, blues, folk, and Americana music.

Kevin Hart – Comedy Show
October 22nd, 7 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center 
Kevin Hart has announced the second leg of his highly anticipated Reality Check Tour, which kicks off this month.

Acoustic Alchemy – Jazz Concert
October 22nd, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
Embracing a spectrum of musical styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz to folk, to rock, to world music, and beyond.

Healing & Understanding: We Are One Festival
October 22nd – 26th
Multiple Locations
The five-day festival will utilize music and artistic expression to explore race and justice in America. All events are free to attend, although reservations are required.

Common with the Cincinnati Pops – Hip-Hop Concert
October 25th, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall
Common, the legendary R&B and hip-hop icon takes the stage with the Pops

Related Article: Cincinnati Jazz Concerts and Venues

Mary J Blige – R&B Concert
October 27th, 8 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center 
Mary J Blige with Ella Mai and Queen Naija will be going on their Good Morning Gorgeous Tour.

Tina: The Tina Turner Broadway Musical
October 25th – November 6th
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
This new musical reveals the story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism, and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll.

DL Hughley – Comedy Show
October 28th – 30th
Liberty Funny Bone
One of the most popular standup comedians on the road today has also made quite an impression.

Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin – Gospel Concert
November 13th, 7 p.m.
Heritage Bank Center 
Grammy award-winning collective Maverick City Music and 16-time Grammy winner Kirk Franklin announce an extension to their tour.

Black Violin – String Concert
November 15th, 7:30 p.m.
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
Hip-hop meets classical with the acclaimed band Black Violin, led by classically trained string players

Raydio – Funk Concert
November 19th, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
Raydio is an American funk and R&B vocal group formed in 1977 by Ray Parker Jr., with Vincent Bonham, Jerry Knight, and Arnell Carmichael.

Royal Comedy Tour
November 26th, 8 p.m.
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
Including Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Don DC Curry, Dominique, and Tony Rock.

Related Article: Midwest Events and Festivals

Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross – R&B Concert
December 2nd, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
Ruben Studdard is an American R&B, pop, and gospel singer.

Gershwin & The Planets – Symphony Concert
December 2nd – 3rd
Music Hall
Michelle Cann is known for delivering knockout performances and shines in music by Gershwin.

Godfrey – Comedy Show
December 2nd – 3rd
Liberty Funny Bone
From television to his comedy team, and even after going solo, Godfrey has been making audiences laugh across the country.

Hot Chocolate – Ballet Performance
December 9th – 10th
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
Experience the magic, joy, and absolute beauty of Hot Chocolate.

Jesus Christ Superstar – Broadway Musical
December 6th – 18th
The Aronoff Center for the Arts
Jesus Christ Superstar is set against an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life as seen through Judas’s eyes.

Jonathan Butler “O Holy Night” with Grace Kelly – Jazz Concert
December 23rd, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage
South African singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler and saxophonist Grace Kelly will perform a Christmas jazz special.

Jason Banks – Comedy Show
December 30th – 31st
Liberty Funny Bone
Jason’s unique comedy style has landed him on some of the most lucrative stages.

Billie Holiday Songbook – Symphony Performance
December 31st, 8 p.m.
Music Hall
Damon Gupton and the Pops give the holidays an afterglow and keep the celebration going into the New Year.

Related Article: Kid-friendly Activities

Cincinnati African American Events photo provided by © [Olesia Bilkei] /Adobe Stock

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